Final answer:
Hypnotics are a depressant type of psychoactive drug that aid in sleep. The pharmaceutical industry's involvement in the production of such drugs has resulted in a shift away from earlier substances like barbiturates to benzodiazepines and 'Z-drugs' due to their improved safety profiles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Hypnotics
Hypnotics, often referred to as sleeping pills, are a depressant type of psychoactive drug that act to calm the brain, reduce anxious feelings, and induce sleepiness. They are a part of a broader class of tranquilizers that includes drugs like diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and other benzodiazepines, which provide both sedative and hypnotic effects. These medicines have a range of uses, from treating insomnia to helping with anxiety.
The pharmaceutical industry has seen a lucrative market in the production of hypnotics as the medicalization of sleeplessness has grown. Historically, treatments for sleep-related issues like somnambulism have been varied, but not always effective. With the discovery of the limitations in treating conditions such as sleep walking with benzodiazepines and the potential drawbacks of older sedatives like barbiturates, which have a high addiction and overdose potential, the shift has been towards newer alternatives with a lower risk profile.
Within the context of sleep disorders, sedative and hypnotic medications serve as a key part of therapeutic strategies, often highlighting a balance between efficacy and safety. For example, the transition from barbiturates to other medications like benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines ("Z-drugs") has been noted as a significant change in medical practice, especially considering the serious drawbacks associated with barbiturates.